As New Zealand Fashion Week 2025 returns next week, Kowtow is introducing an exciting, environmentally minded activation that invites fashion lovers to rethink their wardrobes – and the planet’s future – one garment at a time.
On Friday, 29 August, from 4 pm to 6 pm, Kowtow will host the New Zealand Designer Clothes Swap at Shed 10. Participants can bring in up to five gently worn, New Zealand–designed garments (not just Kowtow pieces), in excellent, fault-free condition, and receive a token for each accepted item.
How Does It Work?
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Drop-Offs Begin Now: From now until the event, you can drop off your pre-loved pieces at Kowtow Newmarket, where the team will assess each garment and issue a token per approved item.
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On-Site Drop-Off Option: Starting at 4 pm on Tuesday, 26 August, additional drop-offs will be available at the NZFW venue entrance at Shed 10.
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At the Swap: Arrive at Shed 10 on Friday, 29 August by 4 pm to exchange your tokens for garments on the rails inside. The first 100 arrivals will also receive a special goody bag. Any unclaimed pieces will be passed on to Kowtow’s circularity partners for redistribution, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
What Makes This Swap Special?
This initiative aligns seamlessly with Kowtow’s ongoing commitment to circular fashion – keeping garments in use for longer, reducing waste, and lowering carbon emissions with every swap.
Moreover, it’s not just Kowtow garments that are welcome – any piece from New Zealand designers qualifies, encouraging broader community participation and inter-designer support.
Key Dates at a Glance
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Swap event | Friday, 29 August 2025, 4 pm – 6 pm |
| Drop-off at Newmarket store opens | Now, until at least 29 August |
| On-site drop-off at Shed 10 | From 4 pm, Tuesday 26 August |
Why You Should Partake
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Refresh your wardrobe sustainably – swap rather than buy, and enjoy new pieces without the environmental cost of production.
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Support local designers – celebrate New Zealand talent while giving garments a second life.
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Join a conscious community – meet like-minded fashion lovers and perhaps walk away with a storied new favourite.
Want a Fashion Week cheat sheet? Discover our non-exhaustive ultimate fashion week schedule to follow HERE